Bridge to the Doctorate

The Bridge to the Doctorate (BTD) Fellowship Program funded by the National Science Foundation is committed to engaging students from underrepresented populations (African American, Native American and Latino) in graduate study within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields of study.

The BTD Fellowship program encourages students' interest in graduate study by demystifying the graduate admissions process and removing the financial barriers associated with continued study. Moreover, the program broadens perspective among faculty and institutional stakeholders regarding the successful candidate for graduate study by evaluating prospective fellowship applicants on the basis of their record of achievements as well as their professional and research experiences, motivation for advanced study, and connection to the field of study.

Bridge to the Doctorate fellows are committed, mindful learners who are actively engaged in the process to become leaders within the scientific community at the national and global level.

This fellowship is designed to establish a bridge to the terminal degree — the Ph.D. — by providing students with:

Tuition and fees paid and enrollment in a health insurance benefit program

Student stipends of $30,000 annually for two years

Individualized faculty mentoring and coaching

Participation in professional conferences and meetings

Links to research and professional opportunities

Enriched academic services and support by staff dedicated to the promotion of future leadership in the scientific enterprise